TIPPERARY GAA county board has defended a decision by controversial TD Michael Lowry to "co-sponsor" All-Ireland final suits for the county hurlers.

Tipperary face old rivals Kilkenny on Sunday in Croke Park.

Mr Lowry released a picture of the team kitted out in their new suits last night, with the message: "Very happy to have been in a position to co-sponsor the suits for the Tipp panel. Good luck on Sunday lads. Up Tipp."

County board secretary Tim Floyd said Mr Lowry "got a consortium of people together and organised the suits".

Mr Floyd added: "He's very much involved in GAA in the county, and we wouldn't have a problem with him. He's a genuine GAA man, as far as we're concerned."